ASK FR. BITAJU | KAIROS GLOBAL | DECEMBER 2018

Author: Fr. Bitaju

Q. As a Catholic and as a young person, what are some of the things to keep in mind in my choice of dress and style?

The Catholic Church does not have an official dress-code and it does not recommend a particular brand of clothes, music band or accessories, yet stresses that modesty be used regarding what we wear and use. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, modesty is decency. It inspires one’s choice of clothing (CCC #2522). Moreover, modesty inspires a way of life which makes it possible to resist the allurements of fashion and the pressures of prevailing ideologies (CCC #2523). As a Catholic it is important to keep in mind that ‘we are God’s temple’ (1 Cor. 3:16). And this means that ‘what we wear’ and ‘what we use’ in a way echo our personality, ideas, thinking and values. Furthermore, clothing is not just a matter of covering up – it is also an art form with its own statements to make which can be a source of beauty and dignity, making its own contribution to culture and history.  Fostering a good sense of the right use of clothing, accessories, music band, etc., could be one of the best fruits of “New Evangelization”.  Ultimately, the human body is “God’s masterpiece in the visible world”. Jesus elevated the human body “to the rank of a temple and an instrument of the Holy Spirit, and as such must be respected” (Pope Pius XII). 

Another important aspect to be considered is that, there is such an amount of social pressure that teens and young people particularly face due to the use of popular brands and styles. Often the strong message given through such ads and media is that ‘you are what you wear’. The danger of this is that people begin to ascribe their value or worth to what they wear and the accessories they use. When they are unable to cope with social pressures, they can easily give into frustration and depression, at times even leading to antisocial behaviour. This is where one needs to have clarity on the matter so as to stand firm in one’s convictions and values. As a Jesus Youth, the Word of God and the teachings of the Church in this regard need to be given primacy. 

Finally, one needs to be watchful of causing scandal to another by way of the use of branded clothes, music band, accessories, etc. The Catechism says: “Scandal is an attitude or behaviour which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbour’s tempter. He damages virtue and integrity… Scandal is a grave offence, if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into grave offence” (CCC #2284). ‘Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!’ (Lk 17:1). It is good to keep in mind the admonition of Pope Pius XII in this context: “The good of our soul is more important than the good of our body; and we have to prefer the spiritual welfare of our neighbour to our bodily comforts”.